Convertible bench



Feb.l 17,1931. M. L. GREENsTREE-T 1,792,737

CONVERTIBLE BENCH Filed Jan. 2Q, 1928 4 Sheets- Sheet 1 Izzi/elder' /Vz'lfred l fremd/wi Fehgl 7,- 1931. M. L. GREENsTREE-T 1,792,737

coNvERTIBLE BENCH.

Fileduan, zo, '1928` 4 shuts-sheet 2 J7 fizzlmof J7 J7 L. (free/mired Bv Mw,

Feb. -1 7, 1931'. M. `l.. GRENSTREET 1,792,737

I A CONVERTIBLE BENCH I Filed Jan. 20, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Feb. 17, 1931. M. l.. GREENSTREET `1,792,737

CONVERTIBLE BENCH Filed Jan. 20, 1928 4 SheetS-.Sllee`lI 4 Patented Feb. 17,1931 l .Umrsfsrmes ivrirrniin L. ennnivs'rnnirr; or sfr. Leurs, ivirssoum convrirtrinn BNCH Aiipneetien fired-January 2o, ieee. Serial Nt. 248,622.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in a combined bench and table of the type disclosed in my copending` application filed July28, 1927, Serial No.- 208,951

f which matured into Patent No; 1,757,960,

granted May 13, 1930. A In thistype lof furniture, the back of the bench is so mounted as to enable the adjustment thereof into a horizontal position to serve asa table.

The objects of the present invention are to provide simple and effective means for operatively mounting and securing said back to said bench whereby' said back may be readily adjusted -into either one of its positions.

Further objects lof the invention are to so construct the bench thatthe baclrt-hereof can be rigidly Asupported in extended horizontal position without the use of extraneous transverse members or the use of links for connecting the back when. in extendedA position with the uprights of the bench.`

Still further objects of theinvention are to provide metallic operating membersV readilyattachable to the respective parts of the benchof the class described to allow the manipulation of the back of said bench from its `normal inclined position into an extended horizontal position to serve as a table and which operating` members are inconspicuous so as not to detract from the appearance of the article.

Additional objects ofthe invention are to generally improve upon and simplify the construction of the furniture ofthe class described and to provide simple means for interlocking the adjoining edges of the horizontally extending portions of two adjacent benches.

Other objects of the invention are to formV the supporting understructure collapsible so that it may be folded against the underside of the seat thereby enablingthe shipment or strage lof the1 bench of niy'improved construction, in a knock down and compact oondition. j

With these and other objectsVA in view, my invention consists of certain novel features of construction and arrangements of parts hereinafter more-fully described, claimed ald illustrated, in which j /Figure 1 is an end elevational view vofy a pair of ben'c'hes of my improved construction and arranged 4i-n cooperative relation with the backs extended into horizontal table po'- sitions; v

Figure 2 i's a top plan view of same.

Figure is a rear elevational View of asingle bench with the back thereof extended into a horizontal position. i

Figure 4 is an enlarged end elevational o view of a bench of my imprved 'construction with the back thereof arranged in' a normal Y position.

Figure 5 is a fragmental rear elevational view of thebench with the back thereof occupying a normal position;

Figure 6 is a fra/giriental transversecross section through the bench showing the back thereof iii a horizontal` position.`

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section taken on line 7 7 of Figure 6. l j

Figure 8 is a vertical cross section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 6.

- Figure 9 is a fragmental on line 9L9 of Figure 2. Y Y Figure 1'0 is a bottom'vie'w of one of the interlocking members utilized for interlocking the' adjoining edges of two back sections when extended into horizontal positions.

Figureill is an end elevational view of a modified form of my improved benchand showing the latter in extended position for use as a combined table and,Y bench.

Figure 12 is` an end elevational view showing said modified ferm in folded or knock down position; Y j Y r Figure 13 is a rear elevational viewk showing said modified form in extended position.

v Figure 14 isa topplan view of same but showingthe back occupying the normal position.

Figure 15 is an enlarged plan view with the cover or back section in cross section and showing the understructure or supporting framework folded against underside of the seat section. i

Fioure 16 is a vertical section taken on line cross section taken lit-i136A of FigureV 15.

Figure 17 is an enlarged det-ailview taken on line 17;17 'of Figure 14. Y

Figure 18 is a` detail view taken on line 18-18 of Figure 17.

Figure 19 is an enlarged view taken on line 19-19 of Figure 14.

Figure 2O is an enlarged view taken on line 20-20 of Figure 13.

Referring by numerals to the accompanying drawings, 10 indicates the seat section of a bench, and 11 indicates end frames for supporting said seat. These end frames coinprise legs 12, horizontal top rails 14, and intermediate rails 15. The end frames are connected together by a front rail arranged adjacent to the seat 10 and a horizontal rail 17 extending between intermediate rails 15. Extending upwardly from end frames 11 are uprights 18, which are preferably inclined rearwardly to provide the proper inclination for a. back 19 which is carried thereby.

This back 19 which in the present instance consists of a pair of longitudinal boards, has secure-d thereto near each end a transverse member 21 which is preferably formed of angle iron and is arranged adjacent to the inner side of the corresponding upright 18. The projecting flange 22 of each angle iron 21 is provided with a longitudinally disposed slot 24 for the reception of a bolt 25 which is non-rotatably seated in an aperture 26 formed in upright 18 near the upper end thereof and extends inwardly and transverselyV therefrom. The threaded projecting end of bolt 25 receives a winged nut 27 which can be tightened on said bolt so as to clamp flange 22 against upright 18 and thus secure back 19 in position on said uprights. The extreme end of bolt 25 receives suitable locking means such as a Cotter pin 28 which prevents the complete disengagement of the winged nut 27 from bolt 25 thereby avoiding the accidental displacement and loss of said nut.

Flange 22 is of suliicient depth to allow the spacing of slot 24 a suitable dista-nce from back 19 and bolt 25 is spaced a suitable ydistance from the inner edge 18a of uprights 18, so that when back 19 occupies its normal position, it rests snugly against edges 18a. lVhen in this normal position, the upper ends of slots 24 engage bolts 25 and the lower edge 19a of back 19 rests rearwardly of and against rear edges 10a of seat 10. In this manner, the back 19 is held, both at top and bottom, in close contact with edges 18a and is locked against accidental lateral movement.

When it is desired to convert the bench into a` combination bench and table, winged nuts 27 are loosened and the back 19 is then slid upwardly and is then swung into a hori- In order to protect the upper ends of uprights 18 against injury and provide smooth operating surfaces and enable accurate positioning of the back with respect to said uprights, a metallic lining member 29 is provided for the upper end of each upright. This member 29 is preferably in the forni of a right angle plate 30 having a horizontally disposed flange 31 adapted to be placed on top of the horizontal face of said upright and having a depending portion or flange 32 which lits against the inner face of upright 18 and contacts with the corresponding face of flange 22. This depending flange 32 is provided vith an aperture 34 for receiving bolt 25 and is further provided with an aperture 35 for receiving the counter-sunk head of a wood screw 36 which latter secures member 30 in position on the upright. Members 30, being formed of metal. can be manufactured accurately and can be used as guides ol' templets in properly locating bolts 25 on the uprights. As the depending flange 32 is disposed on the inner side of each upright 18 it is not visible and does not effect the appearance of the bench. At the same time, it reduces friction between the flange 22 and upright 18 and insures accurate positioning of the back as it eliminates close t between flange 22 and uprights 18.

ln order to provide for the interlocking of the adjoining edges of backs 19 when the latter occupy extended positions, the upper edge .19.72 of each back 19 is provided at a point .equi-distant from flanges 22 Vwith a plate member. 37 secured to back 19 by suitable fastening devices 38 and having its other edge terminating in a rearwardly and downwardly presented hook 39 which extends a suitable distance beyond the edge 195. A slot 40 is formed in plate 36 parallel with hook 39 and is adapted to receive the hook of member 37 of the adjacent back as shown in Figure 9. Each edge 19o is undercut to form a recess 41 adjacent to slot 40 so as to permit insertion of hook 39 of the adjoining edge into said slot. The interlocking members 37 are forme( so that they are interchangeable and adapted to interlock with each other. In addition to this interlocking feature, hook portions 39 may be used as a handle in moving the back 19 from its normal position into extended table position. As the member 37 is placed equi-distant from flanges 22, the pull exerted at this central point will maintain flanges 22 in parallelism with the side portions of uprights 18 thereby preventing binding and sticking of the back and facilitating the positioning thereof.

The form disclosed in Figures 1-10 inclusiv-e, shows my invention applied to the bench preferably made of wood and having noncollapsable supporting frame work or understructure. In Figures 11-20 a form is disclosed showing the bench vmade collapsible so that it`=may ,be foldedinto a compactform when not in use. Y I I 5 In this form, the sea-t 44 is formed boxshapedhaving downwardly lpresented marginal flanges 45: which provide a box-shaped recess 4.6. The back section 47 is operatively .mounted on seat 44 by means of .arms 48; This back section 47 is designed to'serve as a cover .for box 46 whenthe'bench occupies .collapsed position. The supporting framework 49 is movahly mounted on the underside of seat 44 anzdis foldable'within recess 46 and is entirely enclosed when back section 47 is. placedov-er the recessed .side ofsection 44 This supporting vframeworl'x' comprises a pair of endframes 50 and a strut member v5l which latter. is pivotally mounted `intermediate its Vends by' means of a bracket 52 fixed to the underside of seat 44.

Each end frame 5=Oconsists of a front Vleg 58piif'otally mounted its upper end, as in dictated at 54, in order to permit the folding thereof rearwardly against the underside of seat 44. The lower end `of each'leg is provided with an enlargement 58a and receives the corresponding end 5la of .strut 5l which latter extends obliquely from bracket 52 toward the lower end of eachleg-58-` A; tubular section is loosely `disposed on each leg- 53 and its endsterminate adjacent to pivotal mounting 54fand` strut end 51. 4rlhe rear leg 5.6 of each end vframe-49 is preferably formed tubular and is bent to provide a horizontally disposed portion 56a7 a rearwardly and downwardly extending portion 56b terminating in a foot 56 fand a front end 56d. This latter is inclined downwardlyand forwardly and is secured to tubular member 55 near the upper end thereof. r Tlfhusr said tubular Inern ber forms a. pivotal mounting for member 56 so that the latter can be swung in a horizontal plane from its rearward or transverse position inwardly and forwardly into .a llongitudinal position whereupon each lend frame `50 be'folded' against the underside of seatf44 by swinging the lfront legs 5'3`rearwardly on pivotalmountings 54.V 'Y

This pivotal connection 54 is preferably .formedonthe front end of a bar 57 which is disposed ltransversely .of seat 44 and screwed tothe underside thereof near'each end of saine by suitablegfastening means such as rivets'58. The lforward endof each bar 57 is rebent to present the extremity V57.el 4thereof rearwardly in spaced .relation with v.pivotal mounting 54.A A semi-circular notch 59 is formed in end v57,a and forms a seat for the upper end of tubular member' 55 'when the front leg 58 occupies vertical position'.A In this :manner theV front" legs' 58 are engaged by a rigid portion .associated with kthe seat -at a pointspaced from pivot 54 thereby reenforcing said leg and rendering. it more steady. The rear end of bar 57 is bent to bring the extremity Y57 thereof substantially :atfright angles to the obliqueportion 56", said end 571b .being provided with a. semi- Acircular notch i60l for 'engaging saidoblique portion. By disposing portion 57a at right angles to the leg portion? at its point of envgagenoent-therewith, the dangerof said end 571- to bender bedistorted when Vplaced under Y V4mediate -portionof each loar .57 .also serves as .a bearingfor the intermediate Vportion 56a of the rear leg when 'the latter .occupies extendedrrearward position.

l VArms 48 which form means for positioning'and supporting section 47 relatively to section 44 are pivotally'mounted near their lower ends v-to the end flanges 45.El by means of 'pins or screwswl' which are secured to 4said endflange or .said end walls 45a and Vproject Vlaterally therefrom. The lower end of each arm 48 isV provided `with "a longitudinally disposed slot 62 for receiving: pin .61. Each pin 61 is disposed near the lower edge of flange 45a so as to space it as far .as possible `from a projection 63 which extends laterally from each wall 452% and is spaced rearwardly and upwardly from pin 61:. This projection 68 is` designed to engage the rear edge of arm .48 when the latter occupies .extended position and `servesto support the 'latter in conjunc- Vtion with pin 61 at 'the appropriate angle suitable for properly positioning `section 47 when'the latter is used as a" bach` forthe bench. The free or outer end of. each arm 48l is operatively engaged with the end flange v '47@L of section 47 b means of a in. or a screw 64 secured to said end of arm 48 andpassing vthrough the slot 65 longitudinally disposedin eachend flange` 47a.y These endrflanges are disposed adjacent to theV outer sides of arms 48 so that the said armsbear derside of said section 47.

By means Vof the yslot and pin connection between arms 48 and section 47 thelattercan beadjustedrel'atively to said arms either Ainto a horizontal position as shown in full lines in Figure 11 or into an inclinedback position as shown in dotted lines in said'ligure. .The outer or free end of each arm 48 is provided with an extension 66 disposeda'ngularly to said arm and occupying horizontal position when arm 48 occupiesinclinedV extended position.` These extensions'66 bear against the Vunderside Vof section 47 when the latter occupies horizontal. or table position .and serve in conjunction with pins 64 to support said section 47l in said horizontal extended posi-l tion.

` vllVhen it is. desired to usesection 47 as a glnst the un.

back for the bench, said section is moved forwardly and then downwardly until the opposite ends of slot engage pins 64 and the underside ofsaid section 47 rests against the forward edges of arms 48. When in this position the lower edge of section 47 is disposed behi d e shoulderor projection 44a which latter is presented upwardly from seat 44 and holds the lower edge of section 47 in position against arms 48.

\ Vhen the supporting farmework 50 is folded in recess 46 as shown in Figure 15, section 47 is brought against the recessed side of section 44 to close the same. To this end the lower ends of arms 48 are slotted as inthe recessed side of said section 44 as shown in Figure l2. ln folding the bench, section 44 is placed on the ground in an inverted position with the recess 46 presented upwardly in order to facilitate the operation.` A box 67 may be placed in recess 46 as shown in Figure 15 and said box can be preferably held in position by suitable spring clips 68. This box or container can be'used either as a foot stool or for other purposes. The collapsible bench, when in collapsed position, occupies very little space so -that it can be easily handled, thereby facilitating shipping and storage thereof and is particularly adapted to be carried in automobiles for outings and the like.

The particular mountingof the back' section permits the latter to be moved from the normal position into an extended table position without the necessity of det-aching said back section or the mounting thereof. My convertible bench is of simple but durable construction and can be adjusted with ease -by an inexperienced person.

While I have disclosed the preferred form of my invention, it is obvious that various changes can be made in the construction of my bench without departing from the spirit of my invention. l

I claim: v l. A bench of the class described comprising in combination a supporting frame provided with a seat and having a pair of ixed upright end members the ripper end of which terminates in'rearwardly and horizontally disposed extensions, said uprights being spaced a suitabledistance from each other, abaclr no 1mally disposed against the forwardedges of said-uprights `with t-he lower edge of said back disposed rearwardly of the rear edge of said seat, transversely angle members fixed to the underside of said back in juxtaposed relation with said uprights, a horizontally disposed pin carried bythe upper end of each upright in spaced relation with the extension thereof, each pin having pivotal and sliding interengagement with the corresponding transverse member whereby said bach can .Je moved around the axes of said pins into an extended horizontal position with the underside of said baelr resting on the upper edges of said rearwardly and h -`izontally disposed extensions of said uplglits, and means on said pins for locking said back in position.

2. A convertible bench comprising in combination a supporting frame provided with a seat having a pair of .fixed upright end members, the upper ends of which terminate in rearwardly and horizontally disposed extensions, a. back normally disposed against the forward edges of said uprights with its'lower edge arranged rearwardly of the rear edge of said seat, a transverse member secured to the underside of said back near each end thereof and provided with a laterally projecting slotted portion arranged in juxtaposed relation with one side of the corresponding upright, a horizontally disposed pin seated in the upper end of each upright and engaging the slot of the corresponding transverse member thereby enabling said back to be moved pivotally and slidably rel.- ative tosaid uprights from its normal inclined position into a horizontal rearwardly extended position. to form a table with the underside of said back resting on the upper edges of said extensions, and fastening de- 7ic s screw seated on thethreaded ends of said pins for clamping the slotted portions of said transverse members against said uprights to lock said back in position.

3. A convertible bench comprising in combination a supporting frame provided with a seat and having a pair of upright end meinbers terminating at their upper ends in horizontally and rearwardly disposed extensions, a back normally disposed against the forward edges of said uprightswith its lower edge arranged rearwardly of the rear edge of said seat, transverse angle members secured to the underside of said back and having the vertically disposed fianges slotted longitudinally and arranged in juxtaposed relation with said uprights, a horizontally disposed pin seated in the upper end of each upright and engaging the slot of the corresponding transverse angle member thereby enabling said back to be moved pivotally and slidably relative to said uprights from its normal inclined position into a horizontal extended position to form a table with the underside of said back resting on the upper edges of said horizontally and rearwardly disposed extensions of said uprights, fastening devices screw seated on the threaded ends of said pins for clamping the slotted portions of said transverse members against said uprights to lock said back in position, and means for ensaid fastening devices to prevent the displacement thereof from said pins.

'4. A convertible bench comprising in combination a supporting frame having a seat and a pair of upright end members extending upwardly therefrom and terminating in horizontally and rearwardly disposed extensions, a horizontally disposed pin seated in each end of said upright in predetermined spaced relation with said horizontally disposed extensions and the front edges of said uprights, a back normally resting against the forward edges of said uprights and extending rearwardly of said seat, an angle iron transversely fixed to the underside of. said back near Aeach end thereof in juxtaposed relation with each upright and having its projecting flange slotted longitudinally for receiving the corresponding pin whereby saidA back can be moved slidably and pivotally around the axis of said pins into a horizontal extended position with the underside of said back resting on the upper edges of said horizontally and rearwardly disposed extensions, and means on each pin for clamping the slotted flange against the adjacent upright.

5. A convertiblebench comprising in combination a supporting frame provided with. a seat and having a pair of upright end members projecting upwardly and having their upper ends terminating in rearwardly and horizontally disposed extensions, an angle iron secured to each extension and provided with a horizontally disposed surface and having a depending flange adapted to be secured to the side of each upright, a pin projecting laterally from the depending flange of each angle iron in spaced relation with the upper face thereof and with the forward edge of said uprights, a back normally disposed against the forward edges of said uprights and having the lower edge extending rearwardly of said seat, a transverse member fixed to the underside of said back near each end Vthereof in juxtaposed relation with the correspond-V Y with a supporting frame provided with a attachableto each extension, the horizontal v flange of each lining member overlying the upper edge of the extension and the vertically provided with and outwardly projectpins Y disposed flange of each lining member being attachable to one side of each upright, a pin seated in said vertical flange and extending transversely through said upright, and an angle iron attached transversely to the underside of the back near each end thereof in juxtaposed relation with said uprights and provided in its projecting flange with a longitudinally disposed Vslot for receiving said projecting pin whereby said back can be adjusted slidably and pivotally about said pins.

7. In a convertible bench the combination of a supporting frame provided with a pair of uprights having their upper ends formed with rearward horizontal extensions, a back adjustable about said upright members from its normal inclined position into a horizontal table position,` a metallic lining member angular in vertical cross section and attachable to each extension and having the horizontally disposed flange resting on the upper edge Vof the extension and having the vertically disposed flange attachable to one sider of each upright, a pin seated in said'vertical wall and extending transversely through said uprio'ht, an angle iron attached transversely to the underside ofthe back near each end there* `of in j-uxtaposed relation with said uprights and provided in its projecting flange with a longitudinally disposed slot for receiving'the projecting pin whereby said back can be adj usted slidably and pivotally about said pins, and a winged nut on the projecting end of each pin' for engaging the projecting flange of the corresponding angle iron and securing said back in position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto affix my signature this 17 day of January, 1928.

MILFRED L.l GREENSTREET. 

